International Health Insurance in the Philippines

Health Insurance Advice for Internationals Living in the Philippines

Healthcare in the Philippines is all over the map. In cities, hospital standards are often superb and feature state of the art facilities. However, in rural areas, foreigners living in the Philippines report that the situation ranges from basic to bleak. In the Philippines, the ratio of doctors to patients is dismal. There is just one physician per 33,000 people. However, in many other countries, Filipino doctors are the very reason why the doctor-to-patient ratio is excellent. Vast numbers of doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists leave the Philippines to work abroad. In fact, some people joke that doctors are one of the country’s leading exports! Unfortunately, other countries’ gain is the Philippines’ loss.

Healthcare is provided through both private and public hospitals in the Philippines. Although healthcare is generally expensive for the average Filipino, expats may find it more affordable than in their home country.

Overview of the Filipino National Health Insurance System

All Filipino citizens are entitled to free healthcare under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, known as “PhilHealth”. This health insurance program is government organized. It is funded in part by government subsidies at the local and national level. It’s also financed through company payroll deductions. In addition to emergency and urgent care, Philhealth subsidizes inpatient care and non-emergency surgeries. However, it does not cover all medical treatments and costs.

In early 2019, new legislation shaped the scope and future of PhilHealth. Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Universal Healthcare Bill, known as the “UHB”, into law. The bill was designed to incorporate all citizens into the PhilHealth system, not just those in the workplace. Previously, informal workers, the unemployed, and others were not well covered by the health insurance system.

PhilHealth now has two categories. There are people who are able to pay premiums and those who are unable to do so. This largely applies to the unemployed and the elderly. In the case of those who cannot pay, the government will sponsor their coverage. People in both categories receive the same basic level of services, while those paying higher premiums are eligible for more benefits.

Considerations When Choosing International Medical Insurance

Geographic differences in standards of care are of paramount concern for expats living in the Philippines. While the standards in Manila and other large cities are generally very high, the same can’t be said of rural areas. In many cases, health care in rural areas is rudimentary at best. Hopefully, in the coming years, this situation will change. The recently passed UHB contains incentives for newly graduated medical students. It will also mandate that new medics work in remote areas or within the public sector.

However, it will take years to see any positive changes from these measures. In the meantime, expats need to make sure their insurance policy will cover medical evacuations if they’re based in rural areas. Evacuation to Malaysia, Singapore, or Thailand is common for foreigners living in the Philippines who need emergency specialist care.

Pros and Cons of Using the Local Health Insurance System in the Philippines

Expats will be happy to learn that doctors working at public hospitals in the Philippines usually speak excellent English. However, it never hurts to have a local friend with you to help you navigate the system. Another plus? Hospital visits, tests, and medication are generally a lot less expensive in the Philippines than they are in North American and Europe.

However, the public healthcare system lacks hospitals and clinics. There are more private hospitals in the Philippines than there are public ones. While this is excellent for those with insurance and anyone else who can afford to pay out of pocket, it does mean that the average citizen often suffers as a result.

How Expats Can Qualify for Filipino Health Insurance

Enrollment in PhilHealth is mandatory for all expats who are employed in the Philippines. Premiums are automatically deducted from payrolls and employees and employers share the cost.

Expats who don’t work for a major employer can also voluntarily enroll with PhilHealth if they have legal residency status. As well, a limited number of foreign nationals can enroll in PhilHealth. The most common category of people which this applies to is those who marry Filipino citizens.

What You Need To Know About Processes

Many expats in the Philippines chose to join PhilHealth under the “Informal Economy Member” category. The cost ranges from ₱2,400 – ₱3,600 a year. If you’re formally employed with a local employer, the will take care of all the paperwork for you.

Many Filipino citizens carry private insurance coverage – and nearly all expats do. Carrying private insurance in addition to PhilHealth gives you full access to all hospitals and clinics. It also means a more private, secure, and comfortable hospital stay in more serious circumstances. However, you should note that private hospitals may require you to pay upfront with cash. The idea is that you later get reimbursed through your insurance carrier. Ask your insurance customer support staff if they have a special arrangement with any particular private facilities so you can avoid this aggravating situation.

Global Medical Insurance Plans for Foreigners in the Philippines

There are a number of options for expatriate health insurance in the Philippines. Expatriates are able to have worldwide coverage, including or excluding the USA while living abroad. These plans provide coverage of up to $5,000,000 or more and include hospitalization and outpatient care, prescription medication, mental health, and pre-existing condition coverage. Benefits are available to you wherever you choose to receive care, including in the Philippines, in a neighboring country, or back in your home country.

Another option is Aetna International – With more than 160 years of experience in healthcare, Aetna has specialized in international health benefits insurance for more than 55 years – with a growing global footprint to reach wherever you travel. They have been recognized with such prestigious awards as “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year.” Free Aetna Global Quote / Apply

Best Health Insurance for Americans in the Philippines

For US citizens looking for global medical insurance that has an unlimited policy maximum, excellent service, and premium benefits, another plan option is the GeoBlue Xplorer. The GeoBlue Xplorer health plan is a great plan for US citizens who live in the Philippines for either business, leisure, and/or study. If you leave home for six months or more, your health and financial security are at serious risk because of significant gaps in most available insurance coverage and services. This risk is only heightened by limited knowledge of health and safety hazards around the world, including medical treatment from unfamiliar providers. For other Expats in the Philippines, we would suggest reading Expatriate Health Insurance Questions and Answers.

How Routine Filipino Doctor Visits Work

If flexibility is a priority for you in healthcare, you’ll love how routine doctor visits work in the Philippines. You don’t need to make an appointment to see a doctor. You simply show up during their scheduled clinic hours and wait your turn. Normally you’re seen in a very reasonable amount of time, in an hour or less. However, wait times are generally longer at public clinics and hospitals compared to private facilities. Note that in many offices where appointments are an option, they’re designed for routine follow-up care and non-urgent matters and you may have to wait several weeks to get a spot.

How To Find A Family Physician

The public health system in the Phillippines is carried out through public primary healthcare centers linked to peripheral barangay (local town) health centers. You can register for a doctor locally. The Department of Health’s website is a helpful place to start for information. And, as always, you can also talk to your insurance provider, local friends or other expats for recommendations.

Extra Things To Know Before You Go

Healthcare in the Philippines is in a state of flux. It remains to be seen how the new Universal Healthcare Bill will change the system over the long term. The country is slowly moving towards retaining more of their healthcare practitioners. But in general, the system remains focused on the prescriptive rather than the preventative. If wellness and a preventative approach to medicine are important to you, be sure to speak with your insurance representative to ensure this is built into your policy.